For some, it may not seem like the Fourth of July without shooting off fireworks. But guidelines concerning fireworks vary depending on the location in the county.

Most fireworks are illegal within the city of Leavenworth including what are known as class C fireworks.

"There is a city ordinance against it," said Maj. Dan Nicodemus, deputy chief of the Leavenworth Police Department.

Some small items such as smoke balls or toy paper caps are allowed in the city.

Nicodemus said the penalty for violating the city's fireworks ordinance can range from a warning and confiscation of fireworks to a citation and confiscation.

He said a citation for violating the ordinance will require an appearance in municipal court.

"In extreme cases, we could make an arrest and confiscate," he said.

Nicodemus said Leavenworth police receive many calls about fireworks this time of year, and officers confiscate a lot of fireworks. Confiscated fireworks eventually are turned over to the local bomb squad for disposal.

Nicodemus acknowledged that not everyone who violates the fireworks ordinance receives a citation. He said the decision to write a citation is based on various factors including the number of complaints made to police and whether or not a warning has worked in the past.

"There's a lot of variables there," he said.

Fireworks are permitted in Lansing, but the city has restrictions regarding when they can be set off.

Fireworks can be discharged within the city of Lansing through Thursday. People can set off the fireworks between noon and 10 p.m. today and between noon and 11 p.m. Thursday.

Even though fireworks are permitted in Lansing, the use of what are known as sky lanterns are prohibited. And bottle rockets, which are banned statewide, also are not allowed.

In unincorporated areas of the county, law enforcement officers adhere to state law regarding fireworks, according to Undersheriff Jim Sherley.

For people who plan to use fireworks this Independence Day, Capt. Jeff Simpson with Leavenworth County Fire District No. 1 offered some suggestions.

He said people shouldn't hold fireworks in their hands while using them. And people should not stand over lit fireworks.

"When you light them, get away from them," he said.

After fireworks have been discharged, the empty tubes or other materials that remain should be allowed to cool down for a while before they're placed in the garbage. Simpson said people also can place the materials from discharged fireworks into a bucket of water.

"Make sure you shoot them off in an open area," he said.

He also cautioned against modifying fireworks. And he recommended purchasing fireworks from a reputable supplier.